Re: [Harp-L] FLAT!! But Maybe Not??

[Elizabeth Hess <TrackHarpL@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On Mar 31, 2010, at 6:45 PM, icemanle@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Recheck your harmonicas w/tuner or a keyboard that you KNOW is tuned 
> to A-440.

All of my harps are within 10 cents of 442, none flat.


> Sounds like the band had used an improper reference point to tune 
> themselves. When this happens, there is no way you can compensate on 
> harmonica. When this happens and you realize it, DO NOT JOIN IN ON 
> HARMONICA. (unless you have a full set of harmonicas and can recognize 
> what is described in the next sentence and adjust)

Right.


> I've been in situations where the band will tune everything down 1/2 
> step a la Jimi Hendrix/Stevie Ray, so that when you look at the bass 
> player playing an open lowest string, it is Eb rather than E, and not 
> mention this to the harmonica player they have sit in with them. 

I  *might*  have believed this if it had been a single instance, and 
not posted about it here.  But two venues, in two states, with two 
different bands and two sound system set-ups triggered my query.

It seems unlikely to me that a band that likes me would play that kind 
of trick, and also unlikely that the house band at an open jam would do 
this.  But I will be wary of the possibility in the future.  Thank you 
for the heads up.

Elizabeth